Tech Crunch alerts that Ether launches in Beta tonight. Seems as though it is already up. The service proposes to offer people a virtual phone number that others can call to "buy" some of your verbal advice, thoughts, expertise, whatever. Oh, and Ether only takes a cool 15% off the top. Here's what Ether says:
I don't know about you but I can't think of anything more annoying than having a bunch of strangers call for a quickie retail buy of my insight on digital influence, branding or my comprehensive knowledge about Nick Cave. How will they keep out telemarketer/spammers ("telespammers" - I'm gonna go jam this into Wikipedia...)
I think it could be a great way for freelancers or agencies to reach out to potential clients. The ability to set your own fees, will limit the spam calls. If your rates are $75/hour and up -- people won't waste your time.
It also looks like you can set your availability, so your phone isn't ringing off the hook.
Might be an interesting way for someone to have some additional income. Plus, there does seem like there could be some really good word-of-mouth potential for the right service.
Posted by: CarlenLea | March 02, 2006 at 10:24 AM
CarlenLea:
You are right, it has it's place. I just had a personal reaction which is to say in my current professional role, thi is not for me. Presumably some very smart people got together to develop this and they understand their target market. Which again, isn't me right now.
Posted by: John Bell | March 05, 2006 at 04:48 PM
No argument. It's definitely not for everyone. I can't imagine Bill Gates or Warren Buffett signing up. I did immediately think of people like Susan Rooks, the Grammar Goddess, for whom it could be very useful.
I assumed it was a personal opinion -- as it is your blog.
Posted by: CarlenLea | March 06, 2006 at 09:01 AM